Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for keeping both teeth and gums healthy. In fact, adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than to cavities. Periodontal disease is a general term for conditions that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, including gingivitis (early-stage gum inflammation) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease).

Most adults will experience some form of gum disease during their lifetime, but it can be prevented or controlled with consistent at-home care. The best way to protect against both gum disease and tooth decay is through a daily routine of brushing and flossing combined with regular professional dental cleanings.

How Gum Disease Develops

Gum disease typically begins with the accumulation of bacterial plaque—a sticky film that forms on the teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which irritates the gums and eventually damages the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

To minimize this risk, patients should:

• Brush at least twice a day using proper technique
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and along the gumline
• Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and examinations

Practicing consistent, thorough oral hygiene is the most effective way to preserve strong teeth, healthy gums, and a lasting smile.

Brushing Teeth Correctly

Brushing correctly is essential for maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums. The goal is to remove plaque and food particles effectively without damaging tooth enamel or gum tissue. Follow these steps for optimal brushing technique:

1. Position the brush correctly – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and hold it at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.
2. Use gentle, circular strokes – Move the brush in small circles, cleaning two to three teeth at a time. Apply light pressure to allow the bristles to reach the area where the tooth meets the gum.
3. Clean the front teeth vertically – Turn the brush upright and use short up-and-down strokes to clean the inside and front surfaces of the teeth. Repeat these motions across the front of the mouth.
4. Focus on the molars – For the back teeth used in chewing, move the brush back and forth with gentle pressure, focusing on two to three teeth at a time. Adjust your brush position frequently to ensure full coverage of all surfaces.
5. Rinse thoroughly – After brushing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any loosened plaque or food particles.

Brushing twice daily—especially before bed—helps remove plaque, prevent cavities, and protect against gum disease.

Flossing Teeth Correctly

Periodontal (gum) disease often begins as mild gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup between the teeth and along the gum line. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and food particles from areas a toothbrush can’t reach, helping prevent cavities and gum disease.

Follow these steps for proper flossing technique:

1. Use about 18 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of the floss around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving a few inches to work with.
2. Guide the floss gently between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping the floss into the gums.
3. Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and slide it up and down along the tooth surface, extending slightly below the gum line.
4. Lift the floss above the gum line and move to the next tooth, repeating the process. Be sure to clean both sides of every tooth.
5. Rinse thoroughly with water or mouthwash after flossing to remove loosened plaque and debris.

When first establishing a flossing routine, the gums may bleed or feel tender, but this typically improves within a few days of consistent flossing as the tissues become healthier.

Daily flossing, combined with proper brushing, is essential to maintaining strong teeth, healthy gums, and long-term oral health.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

It’s common for teeth to feel temporarily sensitive to hot or cold following a dental procedure. This mild sensitivity usually resolves quickly, especially when the mouth is kept clean and free of plaque buildup.

If sensitivity persists or occurs regularly, it may indicate an underlying issue such as enamel wear or gum recession. In these cases, patients should consult their dentist. The dentist may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse formulated for sensitive teeth to help strengthen enamel and reduce discomfort.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding overly abrasive brushing can also help prevent long-term tooth sensitivity.

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

Scheduling regular professional dental cleanings is one of the most effective ways to maintain long-term oral health. Even with consistent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up over time in areas that are difficult to reach at home.

During a cleaning, the dentist or hygienist carefully removes plaque, tartar, and stains, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Professional cleanings also provide an opportunity to identify early signs of oral health issues before they become more serious.

Your dentist may also recommend personalized preventive techniques—such as fluoride treatments, sealants, or improved home care methods—to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits.

Additional Resources

MedlinePlus
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
WebMD